Breastmilk storage

Keep it in glass or BPA-free plastic bottles, clean food storage containers with tight lids or storage bags designed for breastmilk (do not use bottle liners as these are not suitable).

Containers should be no more than 75% full.

Label the container with the date of expression (and name if needed).

Chill freshly expressed breastmilk before adding it to already refrigerated or frozen milk.

Freeze breastmilk in small amounts of 60 to 120 ml to avoid waste and speed thawing.

It is normal for breastmilk to separate when stored, due to the high fat content. Gently swirl the container to mix.

Guidelines for the storage of expressed breastmilk for healthy term infants
Note: If your baby is ill or premature, consult your health care provider or call to speak to a public health nurse about storing your breastmilk.

Are you breastfeeding and thinking of supplementing?

Feeding a supplement when not required can decrease your milk supply.
One reason women supplement is because they think they do not have enough milk, when in fact most women will make the amount their baby needs. Breastfeeding early and often is the key.

Breastmilk and formula are not created equal.

Breastmilk provides immunity, prevents infections and is the healthiest option for your newborn. Babies who receive breastmilk are less likely to be overweight and experience illnesses and diseases such as:

diarrhea

ear infections

intestinal issues

diabetes

some childhood cancers

lung and breathing problems

sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

While formula can provide adequate nutrition, it does not provide the antibodies and digestive enzymes so important to newborn health that breastfeeding provides, and can also present risks when it comes to storage and preparation. Talk to your nurse before using any supplement. If you are going to feed your baby formula, read these instructions about safe preparation first. Call 311 to speak to a public health nurse for more information.

Get advice from a knowledgeable breastfeeding professional.

If you do need to supplement, breastmilk expressed by hand and/or pump, is the best option. If you go home with a feeding plan that includes supplementing, it’s important to follow up with a breastfeeding professional.

A breastfeeding professional can:

tell you whether a supplement is truly needed

help you to maintain and improve your milk supply.

help you build your milk supply so that in most cases you will not need to keep supplementing.

Bottles may interfere with your baby learning to latch.
If you choose to supplement, consider feeding your baby in ways that
don’t interfere with learning to latch. Some good options include a
small cup (such as a medicine cup) or spoon. Talk to your breastfeeding professional about other options.